Martin Sensmeier

Martin Sensmeier – “Wind River” Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals – The Theater at Ace Hotel – Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2017 – Photo Credit: / PRPhotos.com

Birth Name: Martin J. Sensmeier

Place of Birth: Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.

Date of Birth: June 27, 1985

Ethnicity: Tlingit Native Alaskan, Eyak Native Alaskan, Koyukon-Athabascan Native Alaskan, German, Irish

Martin Sensmeier is an American actor and model. He was one of the leads in the film The Magnificent Seven (2016).

Martin was born in Anchorage, Alaska, the son of Eva and Raymond Sensmeier. In an interview, it was mentioned (at 33:37) that Martin is of Tlingit, Koyukon-Athabascan, and Irish descent. He also has Eyak Native Alaskan and German ancestry. He was raised in Yakutat, a remote, Tlingit coastal community in southeast Alaska. Growing up, Martin learned about the tradition of his tribe, and he is proud of being Native.

Martin is an ambassador for The Native Wellness Institute.

Some sources state that Martin also has French ancestry. It is not clear if this is accurate.

Martin’s paternal grandfather was Gilbert Michael Sensmeier (the son of Louis Daniel/David Sensmeier and Cecelia/Elia Ann Kissel). Gilbert was born in Indiana, and was of German descent. Louis was the son of Louis August Sensmeier, whose father was German, and of Elizabeth Kister/Kuester. Cecelia was the daughter of Michael H. Kissel and Maria Anna Regina Zirkelbach.

Martin’s paternal grandmother was Violet Elizabeth James (the daughter of Sheldon James and Annie Katella Dixon). Violet was born in Yakutat, Alaska. Sheldon was Tlingit Native Alaskan, and was the son of Ned James and Jennie Abraham. Annie was the daughter of John Katella and Sophie Isaacs or Catherine/Katie/Kitty, who was Eyak Native Alaskan.

Martin’s maternal grandfather was Freddie Richard Olin II (the son of Fred/Freddy Richard Olin and Mathilda/Matilda Paul). Martin’s grandfather Freddie was born in Alaska. Mathilda was the daughter of Chief Eneas Paul and Lucy P.

Martin’s maternal grandmother was Lillian Harriet Pitka (the daughter of Richard Pitka and Tassianna/Tereseanna/Tatiana Tashyan Big Jim). Lillian was born in Alaska. Richard was the son of Pavlof John Pitka and Sarah/Sara Sekezakoiha Malasadak.

Sources: Genealogy of Martin Sensmeier (focusing on his father’s side) – https://wc.rootsweb.com

Genealogies of Martin’s paternal grandparents, Gilbert Michael Sensmeier and Violet Elizabeth James – https://www.findagrave.com

Marriage record of Martin’s paternal great-grandparents, Louis Daniel/David Sensmeier and Cecelia/Elia Ann Kissel – https://www.familysearch.org

Marriage record of Martin’s maternal grandparents, Freddie Richard Olin II and Lillian Harriet Pitka – https://familysearch.org

Martin’s maternal grandfather, Freddie Richard Olin II, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Martin’s maternal grandmother, Lillian Harriet Pitka, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Martin’s maternal grandmother, Lillian Harriet (Pitka) Olin – http://www.legacy.com